Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-media communication includes transmitting a first session invite request (300) having a plurality of first call transaction identifiers (302), wherein each of the first call transaction identifiers (302) has a first call transaction value (303). Thereupon, the method and apparatus engages in a first communication session using the first session invite request (300). Concurrently, a second session invite request (400), having a plurality of second call transaction identifiers (402) having a second call transaction value (403), is also transmitted. A determination is made if the second session invite request (400) is duplicative by comparing the first and second call transaction values (303, 403) of the first and second call transaction identifiers (302, 402). A second communication session is engaged if the second session invite request (400) is not duplicative such that the first communication session and the second communication session create a multi-media session.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating information includes evaluation regarding routing of calls performed at a call control point in an ITSP and/or wireless network. A PIC identity associated with another party's preferences is acquired and sent to the call control point. The PIC identity identifies the type of the carrier network (e.g., circuit switched or VoIP) and is used to make further routing decisions. If a circuit-switched carrier is identified, the IP homing leg is terminated at the voice gateway in the recipient's HPLMN and information is sent over to the GMSC where normal, circuit-switched routing procedures. If a VoIP carrier is identified then the called user's roaming number is retrieved from the HLR, and the call is further routed directly over the IP domain towards a voice gateway at the visited network minimizing the number of transcodings. Additional transcoding steps can be avoided if a single encoding is agreed upon according to “tandem free operation” (TFO).

Abstract: A computer telephony interface (CTI) applications computer interfaces to a Internet telephony system which utilizes, preferably, the session initiation protocol (SIP). In one preferred technique, an additional pass through server is added to connect end users to their associated SIP proxy server, and to connect a CTI applications computer to the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a proxy switch, communication methods, and communication logic for use in a mobile network. A proxy switch is deployed between a base station subsystem and a mobile station center. The proxy switch receives signaling messages and either retransmits them, blocks them, converts them, or siphons them to an alternative network. Besides providing an ability to offload mobile traffic it provides a platform for new communication services.

Abstract: A high-capacity electronic switching system includes two or more first stage switch modules to each of which one or more subscriber terminals (telephone sets, fax machines, personal computers, etc.) are connected and each of which executes signal switching for signals from/to the subscriber terminals, and a second stage switch module for switching signals between the first stage switch modules. In the high-capacity electronic switching system, each of the first stage switch modules is connected to another one of the first stage switch modules via a special-purpose link for setting a communication link between the first stage switch modules when necessary. For example, the setting of the communication link via the special-purpose link is executed when an abnormal condition of the second stage switch module occurred and normal communication link setting between two first stage switch modules via the second stage switch module is impossible.

Abstract: A bus control module as a terminal stage for a multi-stage clock/alarm distribution scheme in a signaling server organized into addressable shelves. A system timing generator provides a framed serial control signal, SFI, addressing hierarchically arranged clock distribution modules and the bus control modules, to distribute a system clock to the bus control modules. Each bus control module provides a copy of the system clock to line cards with which it interfaces. The bus control module reports alarms and status signals from its line interface cards to the system timing generator using another framed serial signal. The bus control module forwards upstream towards the system timing generator a clock signal selected from clocks signals recovered by its line interface cards from received network signals.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a call processes call signaling to determine if a call is a ported call or a non-ported call. A signaling processor determines if a ported number parameter (PNP), such as a forward call indicator (FCI) bit M and/or a ported number generic address parameter (GAP), is present. If the PNP is not present and the signaling processor determines the dialed number is a member of a portable number plan area and central office code combinations (NPA-NXX), the signaling processor queries a ported number database (PNDB). The PNDB responds with the called number dialed digits if the call is not a ported call or a location routing number (LRN) if the call is a ported call. The signaling processor appends a 1 to the nature of address (NOA) subfield of the called party number (CdPN) field if the call is a ported call.

Abstract: A base station receives data frames from a mobile station and selectively gates a physical layer radio channel to provide ACK and NACK indications responsive to the receipt of the data frames from the mobile station. The physical layer radio channel is gated on to provide one of an ACK and a NACK indication to the mobile station, and is gated off to provide the other one of the ACK and NACK indications to the mobile station.

Abstract: A distributed local services telecommunications switching system (10, 50) is comprised of loosely coupled components, including a digital loop carrier (14, 56), an intelligent peripheral (12, 54), and a general purpose computing platform (12, 52). The digital loop carrier (14, 56) provides subscriber line interfaces (120, 150), network trunk interfaces (122, 152), and a cross-connect matrix (124, 154). The intelligent peripheral (12, 54) is coupled to the digital loop carrier (14, 56) for performing call processing functions. The general purpose computing platform (12, 52) is coupled to the digital loop carrier (14, 56) and intelligent peripheral (12, 54) for controlling and managing call processing operations thereof. The general purpose computing platform (12, 52) may be integrated or co-located with the intelligent peripheral (12, 54).

Abstract: A telephone network is provided with a service node SN (50) having an interface to the Internet. The SN (50) has a voice service browser (51) which it can use to access resources on the Internet, these resources preferably being held on WWW servers (52). A user of the telephone network places his own service logic programs, in the form of applets 55, on his WWW home page (53) together with content items such announcements and messages; these content items may be embedded in the applets (55) or held in separate files. When the SN (50) receives a service request to supply a service to a user identified as having his own service logic programs and content items available on the WWW, the voice service browser (51) reaches out over the WWW to retrieve the relevant service applet (55) and any associated content items. The voice service browser (51) then executes the applet (55) to provide the desired service including the delivery of content items through a text-to-voice converter or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to the representation, independent of access type, of ISDN accesses (PRA, BRA) in the central core (cVst) of a packet-oriented exchange (P-Vst). By adapting the signaling information transmitted by ISDN accesses in a peripheral unit (PE) it is possible to handle different ISDN access types as a uniform access type in the central core (cVst) of the packet-oriented exchange (P-Vst). The adaptation can be performed for example with the aid of a conversion table for the user data references and call references contained in signaling messages. The invention has the advantage of providing a simple, low-cost, low-overhead representation of ISDN data in the central core of the packet-oriented exchange (P-Vst). Changes such as e.g. a concentration of the user data channels can be carried out easily and flexibly by the network management (NetMg).

Abstract: A subscriber (12, 14, 16) initiating an Internet telephony call may receive specific content targeted to that subscriber in accordance with a match between at least one of the dialed number and the calling party number. Upon receipt of the subscriber's Internet telephony call, an Internet Telephony Service Provider server (18) searches each of a dialed number database, a calling party number database and a default database to establish a match between the calling party number, the dialed number or a range of either numbers. Upon finding a match, the Internet Telephony Service Provider server retrieves corresponding content, typically in the form of a URL that links to an associated web site, to provide to the subscriber who may elect to retrieve that information at the subscriber's discretion.

Abstract: Method and system for a dynamic FIFO flow control circuit. The dynamic FIFO flow control circuit detects one or more obsolete entries in a FIFO memory, retrieves the address of the next valid read pointer, and reads from the retrieved address during the next read operation.

Abstract: A signaling link interface (10) includes a high level data link controller (12) that receives signaling information from network elements in a telecommunication network. A link state controller (14) performs message transfer part level two processing on the signaling information. The link state controller (14) generates a response message that the high level data link controller (12) provides back to the network elements. The high level data link controller (12) and the link state controller (14) are implemented in hardware as field programmable gate array devices. Information related to operation of the signaling link interface (10) may be downloaded from a remote site into the field programmable gate array devices. The signaling link interface (10) processes signaling information received from a plurality of signaling links on a link by link basis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for integrated multimedia call control. A unified way to manage incoming calls is provided for users who have both a public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone and a computer workstation with a multimedia data communications client such as a client specified in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Standard H.323. Calls from a PSTN phone in the network can be routed either to the user's PSTN telephone or the audio handling portion of the user's multimedia data communications client software. The audio portion of calls from a multimedia data communication client in the network can be routed either to the user's PSTN telephone or to the audio portion of the user's multimedia data communication client. Users can thus control PSTN and multimedia internet telephony calls in a consistent manner.

Abstract: A method for operating a switched virtual circuit call processing/routing system, and a computer readable medium containing a call processing/routing program for a voice network switching (VNS) system are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an adjunct processor is attached to a network node and software-configured to service the switching needs of one or more PBXs that are also tied to the network node. The service capability offered by the software-configured adjunct processor alows PBXs to establish voice and data connections between each other dynamically via Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs) that are routed directly across a WAN. This arrangement eliminates the need for an extensive mesh of PVCs or leased “tie lines” carrying voice and data traffic between PBXs across the WAN. It also eliminates the need for routing connections in multiple hops between PBXs. Another advantage is that the number of physical interfaces required on the PBXs and the attached switches is reduced.

Abstract: Transcoder apparatus is designed to transcode a receive signal (UR) into a transmit signal (UE). For this purpose, it includes a signaling transmitting member (14) for producing a signaling message and for introducing it into the transmit signal by stealing bits from said signal. According to the invention, the signaling transmitter member (14) also comprises a tone generator (15) to add a tone signal (UTS) to the transmit signal (UE) prior to applying the signaling message to said transmit signal.

Abstract: A flexible and expandable system bus for connecting traffic mapping devices to SONET/SDH framing devices. The system bus passes control signals generated by a master device to multiple tributaries to orient them relative to a SONET/SDH frame. These control signals obviate the need for each tributary to perform its own SONET/SDH reconstruction and framing using the A1/A2 bytes. The control signals synchronize the tributaries to a common clock cycle, indicate during which clock cycles the tributary can add or drop data relative to the system bus, and an interface identification signal that transmits values on the system bus. The tributaries monitor the values on the system bus, and when the value associated with each tributary appears on the bus, and the system bus indicates that the current clock cycle is within the SPE portion of the SONET/SDH frame, the tributary adds or drops data relative to the system bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling transmission power levels in a CDMA cellular communication system are disclosed, whereby a third (middle) control loop is interposed between an inner loop and an outer loop to form a cascaded power control loop. Certain quality indicators are coupled to the outer loop and middle loop. The outer loop produces a quality target value for the middle loop. The middle loop produces the SIR target value.

Abstract: Method for testing the availability of signaling points which switches through messages in digital form, the MRVT (Message Transfer Part, Route Verification Test) protocol method standardized in the Recommendations Q751.1, Q753 and Q754 of the ITU-T is inventively developed in such a way that it is possible to determine the actually used signaling routes from the test starting point to the test destination.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively establishing a user information path over an information transport network between first and second endpoints of first and second private network partitions, respectively.

Abstract: A low-cost, flexible, high performance system and method comprises a means for interfacing a code division wireless system to a fast packet switched network for transmission over a core network to a destination terminal user via a destination access node and a destination access radio port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for splitting Golay sequences into a plurality of subsets of sequence elements and transmitting the subsets are described. The sequence subsets include an equal number of elements, e.g., symbols, from the split sequence and are transmitted using one group of tones per subset. The tones in each group of tones are uniformly spaced with one symbol being transmitted on each tone. The groups of tones are separated from one another by a frequency spacing which is greater, e.g., many times greater, than the frequency spacing between the tones in each group. Low peak to average power ratios are achieved for the transmitted signals while at the same time allowing for a wide band of frequencies to be used to transmit the split sequence. This leads to greater frequency diversity and facilitates frequency and phase related signal measurements by a device receiving the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of communication through web page and the device for the same. A cellular phone with a built-in modem is provided and there is a personal web page stored in the memory of the cellular phone. When a client end dials the telephone number of the cellular phone, the present invention automatically passes the personal web page to the client end if the modem is set on a responsive status, so that the other side is able to understand about the schedule and situation of the phone's owner. If the phone's owner also gets online in the meantime, he/she can further chats or leaves a message to the client end with each other through the personal web page. Thus it can be known that the present invention is able to flexibly fit the communicative requirements of the phone's owner in different periods. It is so convenient that even deaf-mute people also use it normally.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method, a switching center, a converting node, and a service control point for the transmission of service signaling messages, with service signaling messages being transmitted in sequences through a signaling network between switching centers (SW1, SW2, SW3, SW6). The service signaling messages are each directed from an originating switching center to a destination switching center using a destination code and a converting node (CP) if necessary determines a ported subscriber code assigned to the subscriber code. It is proposed that the originating switching center determine a ported subscriber code and enter it into the those signaling messages as destination code which the originating switching center sends within a sequence of signaling messages following a first signaling message.

Abstract: A polling period controlling apparatus capable of polling with a period traceable temporal variations of management information values of a managed unit is provided with a polling period calculator 5 which decomposes a sequence of management information values, stored in the sequence memory 4, into the sum of sinusoids with different frequencies to find the maximum frequency and determines the polling period from an inverse of two times the largest frequency. A central controller 2 then compares between the required bandwidth specified by the polling period and a network management bandwidth and, when the former is smaller than the latter, obtains the management information value from the managed unit 11 using the polling period. When the former is greater, the central controller 2 obtains the management information value using the polling period determined from the network management bandwidth.

Abstract: A wireless communication method and arrangement that facilitates and allows a user at one end to send dual tone multiple frequency characters from one wireless unit to a second wireless unit completely within tandem free operation mode without changing to tandem operation mode. By remaining in tandem free operating mode during dual tone multiple frequency signaling the delay and distortion of the CODECs used in tandem operation mode is avoided, and the real possibility of missing bursts of dual frequency multiple frequency characters that exists presently because of existing timing requirements is removed.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively and efficiently retransmitting data frames, which were inadequately received by a receiver, back to the receiver for combination with the inadequately received data frames to increase gain at the receiver. The system and method preferably uses an R-Rake retransmission technique while eliminating the need to transmit a signaling message to a receiver for identifying the data frames to be combined as in the conventional R-Rake technique, and employs a data transmitter and a controller. The data transmitter transmits data in data frame format to be received by a receiver. Upon receiving a retransmission request from the receiver, the controller controls the data transmitter to retransmit a particular data frame to the receiver without transmitting a signaling message. The receiver receives the retransmitted data frame and compares it to other data frames stored in a buffer to determine the likelihood of a match between the transmitted data frame and a buffered data frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to impairment detection and compensation in a communications network. One embodiment includes a method for generating an adaptive Digital Impairment Learning (DIL) sequence for use in a training mode which assists in resolving digital loss ambiguities affecting the mapping of analog levels to digital levels in a communications network. The method includes identifying a feature octet for a pair of the digital loss ambiguities, determining a number of transmit copies of the feature octet based at least in part upon a noise variance, and modifying a standard DIL sequence with the number of transmit copies of the feature octet to produce the adaptive DIL sequence for use in the training mode. Alternate embodiments relate to an apparatus for generating an adaptive DIL sequence for use in a training mode and an apparatus and method for compensating for digital losses in a communications network.

Abstract: The invention uses a novel signaling protocol for conducting call waiting-caller ID messaging. Instead of waiting for an acknowledge back from the caller ID box, an acknowledge signal is generated locally at a gateway. This allows the packet switched network to meet the timing requirements of the circuit switched network. The gateway tricks the central office switch into believing an actual acknowledge signal was sent from the caller ID box. The central office switch accordingly sends the caller ID information. This ID information is then propagated across the IP network to the caller ID box.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for signal monitoring of messages in a telecommunications network having a plurality of switches and network elements therein alleviate the need for external hardware to be hooked up to nodes of the network to determine whether faults have occurred at the nodes. A signal monitoring application disclosed herein stores related message signals and messages in a relational database wherein messages and signals having common elements can be easily and quickly viewed. The SIMO application cross-references the messages and signals in the relational database according to a transaction table which categorizes and stores the messages according to parameters set out in the transaction table. This allows the messages to be ranked and viewed very quickly without the need to process them and expend valuable computational time and resources.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present invention provides a system for managing signaling messages in a telecommunication system. The system includes a first control module that is operable to receive signaling messages from a plurality of signaling links, process the signaling messages, and send the processed signaling messages through a communication network interface. The system also includes a second control module that is operable to receive the signaling messages from the plurality of signaling links, process the signaling messages, and send the processed signaling messages through a communication network interface. The system further includes a Matelink coupled to the first control module and the second control module. The Matelink is operable to communicate the status of the first control module to the second control module and the status of the second control module to the first control module.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for redirecting calls more efficiently, whereby an LDAP query is encoded with a called telephone number. The LDAP query is transmitted from a TCP/IP to an LDAP server via an IP network, and the TCP/IP awaits a response back from the LDAP server, which response identifies a corrected destination address, and may include translated digits which may be used in telephony routing.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a general-purpose media layer for a distributed feature system. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a distributed feature system environment is disclosed in which paths carrying media, e.g. voice or text, are fully separated from signaling paths. A plurality of media processing components are utilized to establish media channels separate from signaling channels and wherein each media processing component is assigned to one or more feature components in the distributed feature system.

Abstract: An apparatus transmits information, by a communications network, to any one of a plurality of communication terminals connected to the network in response to a failed communications attempt by any one of the terminals. The apparatus comprises: an identification facility for identifying a network address of a terminal making a failed communications attempt, at least one data storage for storing a plurality of network addresses so identified, and an information transmission facility for transmitting information to a terminal making the failed communications attempt. The information transmission facility is adapted to access the data storage facility, to locate a network address stored therein and to transmit the information to a network address so located.

Abstract: ATM is used as a transport and switching mechanism in a hybrid STM/ATM network (20), while the signaling remains normal narrowband signaling. The narrowband signaling is transported on permanent paths over ATM connections, and the narrowband speech channels are transported on ATM and switched on a “per call basis” (on-demand) through an ATM switch. The hybrid STM/ATM network has an access node (22) which services narrowband terminals and which generates a signaling message in connection with call setup. A translator (50) formats the first signaling message into ATM cells so that the first signaling message can be routed through an ATM switch (40) to a circuit switched (STM) node (30). The circuit switched node (PSTN/ISDN) sets up a physical connection for the call and generates a further signaling message for the call, the further signaling message pertaining to the physical connection.

Abstract: An invention for detecting and suppressing bits of data present in a given communications environment. One exemplary embodiment allows the invention to suppress the signaling bits in a communications system that is using the GR-303 protocol. Another embodiment allows the invention to suppress any given bit which may be deterministically positioned for suppression. In a GR-303 environment, the invention suppresses signaling bits found to hamper older equipment that is still in service in the communications environment. The invention receives particular bit of the incoming word of data, which is compared to the particular bit of the previous word of data in the same phase (logically associated bits). If a transition or pattern is detected that indicates a specific signaling bit pattern presence, an integrator counts toward a user-defined maximum saturation value. At saturation, the invention suppresses the signaling bit that has been detected.

Abstract: This invention is a gateway apparatus arranged between a circuit switched network and the Internet. The gateway apparatus comprises a prior connection section setting a channel on the Internet according to the call setting request received from the circuit switched network before the call setting request is received from the circuit switched network, and a call setting section setting a connection corresponding to the call setting request on the Internet by using the channel set by the prior connection section when the call setting request is received from the circuit switched network.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting and recovering from missed control words that signify a transition to or from a speech mode to a data mode in a communication channel. When in a speech mode, speech information is checked for errors. If an error is detected, the next frame or segment of information is assumed to be data information. The data information is examined for valid information such as a valid header. If a valid header is detected, data mode is assumed and if a valid header is not detected, speech mode is assumed.

Abstract: A communications system includes a first network of a first type and a second network of a second type. One example of the first network is a circuit-switched network that employs a time-division multiplexing (TDM) scheme. An example of the second network is a packet-based network such as an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network or an Internet Protocol (IP) network. A call request originated in the first network is received by a gateway system coupled between the first network and the second network. A call is then established over the second network. A success indication of the call over the second network is waited for before establishing a bearer traffic connection between the first network and the second network.

Abstract: A bulk DSL service provisioning configuration tool for use in a network management context and method are presented. The bulk DSL service provisioning tool enables the specification of a programmable configuration request including specifying an target entity list and a configuration template. In turning up a subscriber, the configuration template is further populated with: operational parameter values used configuring a corresponding DSL port associated with the subscriber, a request to setup a cross connect at DSLAM node associated with the subscriber's DSL port, and a request to setup a data link between the DSLAM node and a broadband remote access server node. Advantages are derived from an ability to perform controlled large scale DSL service configuration management in a network management context at reduced service provisioning overheads.

Abstract: A communication protocol includes a packet protocol, which includes a protocol field for indicating the type of protocol, a length of data field for listing the length in bytes of the data field, a data field containing sub protocol data, and a checksum for determining the integrity of the packet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for determining when a particular tone in a discrete multi-tone communications system is being used to transmit a control signal. Broadly, the system and method of the present invention are realized by a digital signal processor that is configured to detect a constant phase shift on individual tones when a control signal condition is present.

Abstract: A pair of devices (400, 401) appear to be a Common Channel Signaling (CCS) network nodes on each end of a point digital data link, that is, a normal CCS signaling link (402, 403). Multiple transport methods may be used to provide a redundant and diverse path for the signaling link. These methods include the encapsulation of the CCS protocol, at one or more layers, within other network protocols. In another embodiment, the present invention implements a virtual Signal Transfer Point by means of one or more encapsulating STPs (eSTPs). A packet data network (408) using standard packet data protocols, rather than a backplane bus or special network, connects the encapsulating STPs (405, 406), and CCS messages are dynamically routed across the internal packet data network to an appropriate eSTP for transmission to the appropriate next hop address.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for transmission of signalling data in cellular telecommunication networks. According to the invention, multiple radio bearers can be allocated for transferring signalling traffic, but all higher layer signalling is in any case taken through the RRC protocol. In the inventive method, MM and higher layer messages are sent using RRC DIRECT TRANSFER messages, but a separate RLC entity is set up for RRC DIRECT TRANSFER messages. In various embodiments of the invention, separate radio bearers can be set up for individual CN domains and/or upper layer protocols and/or for a group of RRC messages.

Abstract: An apparatus for configuring CAS line signaling using plain text strings includes at least one configurable CAS plain text line signal template having corresponding associated CAS signal parameters, a memory to store the configurable CAS plain text line signal template, a trunk controller to receive and transmit the CAS signal parameter, and a processor to match and interpose the configurable CAS plain text line signal template with the associated CAS parameters. The method for configuring CAS line signaling using plain text strings includes defining in a call processor at least one CAS plain text line signal template having corresponding signaling parameters, detecting the signaling parameters, selecting the CAS plain text line signal template using the signaling parameters to create a CAS protocol, and executing the CAS protocol.

Abstract: An Ethernet, or more generally any packetized network system, remote management device and system operable via Ethernet connections according to non-Ethernet message instructions presented during the active idle signal period, e.g. during the inter-packet gap (IPG), which are separated from the Ethernet signalling before detection. A locally managed device includes a physical layer interface adapted to receive a secondary signal which is encoded to provide a corresponding signal while conforming to the active idle and minimum IPG requirements, and is received by a remote device managed according to the encoded signals provided from the local device during the IPG. Further embodiments provide multiple (serial) nesting of such remote devices along the Ethernet path, with the instructions to and data from the most distant such remote devices forwarded through intermediate remote devices according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the quality of control signalling based on signalling messages controlling speech or data transmission over an air interface between at least two radio terminals of a radio communications system, said speech or data being transmitted in at least one traffic channel of said radio communications system, and said signalling messages being transmitted in control channels associated with said at least one traffic channel. In order to allow for an improved performance of SACCH and FACCH, it is proposed that a first and a second signalling message with identical content are transmitted in two separate associated control channels. Alternatively, it is proposed that a signalling message included in a single ACCH is coded with a stronger coding. The invention relates equally to corresponding radio terminals and modules for such units.

Abstract: When voice over Internet Protocol (IP) capabilities are added to a conventional network of voice switches, an IP network is normally used to replace individual trunks between voice switches and to replace telephone lines between telephones and their serving voice switches. As a result, calls across the upgraded network often pass across a series of IP hops. This invention addresses the problem of replacing a series of IP hops by a single hop, to avoid degradation of end-to-end voice quality due to repeated packetization/depacketization sequences and associated functions such as compression/decompression.

Abstract: Disclosed are call processing methods which are performed by a network terminator located at a subscriber's premise. The network terminator is coupled to a digital network and a communication device at the subscriber's premise and can perform call waiting, caller identification, call conferencing without intervention from a telco's switching system that requires an additional charge to the subscriber for these services. In addition, the network terminator can perform a method which allows two digital communication devices coupled to one S-bus to share a communication session. In another embodiment, up to a six way conference call can be established with an analog telephone coupled to an ISDN network via the network terminator of the present invention.